The tutoring program is available to children in grades Kindergarten through twelve who have difficulty reading and writing. Individualized assessment and instruction is provided by qualified graduate and undergraduate students in the ISU Literacy/Reading Masters and Elementary Education Programs, under the direction of literacy professors at the Center for Reading and Literacy. During this three semester program, your child will receive reading and writing assessments throughout the program which are used to help plan individualized lessons that enhance their literacy development through problem solving strategies and skills.
The services offered by the ISU Literacy Development Center give students an opportunity to develop and strengthen their reading and writing, a fundamental ability necessary for future success in school and society.
Diagnosis Assessment provides a thorough diagnostic evaluation of the individual's reading and writing. The assessment determines reading and writing potential and present reading and writing achievement. Within a few weeks after the assessment is completed, a report is sent to parents and to the referring agency, if parent permission is given. The report includes the names of the assessment instruments and results of the student's performance on these assessment instruments, an analysis of the student's reading and writing, and recommendations for improving reading and writing.
Tutoring provides individual or small group instruction designed to meet the needs of the learners. Tutoring is scheduled on a semester basis. During spring and fall, tutoring sessions typically meet 1-2 times per week. Summer tutoring is a 7-week program that meets typically twice a week.
Tutoring sessions are held in the Speech and Hearing Clinic in Fairchild Hall. During the fall and spring semesters, a 60-75 minute tutoring session is provided once a week for a 14 week period. During the summer session, a 60-75 minute tutoring session is held twice a week for seven weeks.
$60 for diagnostic assessment
$100 for tutoring per semester (includes assessments, diagnostic reports, and instructional materials)
Any student who qualifies for the free or reduced school lunch program is charged a percentage of the costs for each service.
Parents or guardians may apply for their child's participation in the tutoring program. Download the printable application (pdf).
Teachers and school administrators may refer a student to the tutoring program. Download a printable referral form (pdf).
Mail the completed form to:
Center for Reading and Literacy
Literacy Development Center
Illinois State University
Campus Box 5330
Normal, IL 61790
The criteria for selection is based on literacy needs, number of qualified tutors, and the cooperation of the student's family. New students are accepted each semester, but due to space limitations we are unable to guarantee admission within a given semester. Parents or guardians are contacted by letter or phone when an opening is available and provided with dates and times of assessments and tutoring sessions.
Regular attendance is required in order to derive the maximum benefit for the student and child. If necessary, one session may be made up. However, after three absences, the child will be dismissed from the program.
Please feel free to contact director of the Center for Reading and Literacy, Dr. Beatrice Smith at (309) 438-3008.